Mass Layoffs and the Hiring Landscape in Tech

The Cyber Queens Podcast

**DISCLAIMER: All of our opinions are our own. They do not represent, nor are they affiliated with the interests and beliefs of the companies we work for. **

In this episode, we discuss the monster layoffs in tech and the hiring trends. We have seen numerous layoffs handled poorly and numerous handled properly. We walk through what we each have seen and our opinions on why the layoffs are happening. Your Cyber Queen Erika was part of a mass layoff in December 2022, so she shares her experience with all of you.
As always, The Cyber Queens share strategies and how to be prepared. We cannot stress enough how important personal branding is for you! We also stress the importance of using LinkedIn for networking and that we still NEED you in cyber!
Key Topics:

• Addressing the Tech Layoffs & Hiring
• Layoff Demographics The Queens Are Seeing
• The Industry Looks Scary To Target Employment BUT WE NEED YOU
• Erika’s Personal Tech Layoff Experience
• Strategies To Get Hired In Tech & To Keep Spirits High
• Importance Of Your Network
• Importance of Personal Branding
• Qualify Organizations
• Why Are These Layoffs Happening & How to Spot A Good Opportunity

Sources:

• TikTok by Amber DeVilbiss “What It’s Like Being In Tech Sales”
• Crunchbase.com “Tech Layoffs: U.S. Companies That Have Cut Jobs In 2022 and 2023”
• Erika’s New Employer SentinelOne
• Naomi Buckwalter
• Microsoft Layoffs
• ChatGPT
• NetWars
• Menlo Security
• Bug Bounty
• Vulnerability Disclosure Policy (VDP)
• WiCyS
• ISSA
• CTA
• CSA
• ISACA
• BlackHat
• Corporate Bro
• GuidePoint Security

Get in Touch:

• Maril Vernon LinkedIn
• Stacey Champagne LinkedIn
• Queens Twitter - @TheCyberQueens
• Queens LinkedIn

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Chapters

1. Introductions (00:00:00)

2. Explaining the tech layoffs (Google, Microsoft, Meta) (00:01:34)

3. Layoff Demographics The Queens Are Seeing (00:02:23)

4. Erika: How Scary The Layoffs Look But Sees The Light At The End Of The Tunnel (00:03:30)

5. Article From Crunchbase.com On U.S. Layoff Statistics (00:04:48)

6. Erika Shares Her Tech Layoff Experience From December 2022 (00:05:04)

7. Strategies To Get Hired In Tech & To Keep Spirits High (00:07:25)

8. Importance Of Your Network (00:13:55)

9. Importance Of Personal Branding (00:14:55)

10. Live Q&A (00:19:00)

11. CTFs, VDPs, and BBPs (00:19:21)

12. Local Events & Conferences Like WiCyS, ISSA, CTA, CSA, ISACA, Blackhat (00:21:15)

13. Why Are These Layoffs Happening & How to Spot A Good Opportunity (00:23:06)

14. Final Thoughts & Takeaways (00:35:00)